Chiricahua Mountains

Chiricahua Mountains is in Southeast Arizona.

The range lies primarily within the Coronado National Forest. Chiricahua Peak, the highest point in the range, rises 9,759 feet (2,975 m) above sea level, about 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above the surrounding valleys. The mountains are named for the Chiricahua Apache, who historically lived in the region.

The earliest evidence of humans in the vicinity of the Chiricahua Mountains are Clovis archeological sites such as Double Adobe Site in the Whitewater Draw tributary of Rucker Creek north of Douglas. Subsequently, the Cochise culture another pre-ceramic based culture spanning 3000–200 BCE was defined from sites around the Chiricahua Mountains, including Cave Creek Canyon.

Following the transition to ceramics, artifacts characteristic of both Mogollon culture and its local variants, the Mimbres culture, are found. These relics span the period from 150 BCE – 1450. The influx of other indigenous peoples, such as the Chiricahua Apaches, including the leaders Cochise and Geronimo occupied the area until forced removal in the late 19th century.

• 32.005-109.3441 Chiricahua National Monument. One of the National Park Service's more remote units, with a unique landscape of stone hoodoos.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 31.845889-109.2912782 Chiricahua Peak. A 9,773-foot (2,979 m) peak. It is the highest summit in the Chiricahua Mountains.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 31.695634-109.1289793 Geronimo Surrender Monument, Hwy 80 (39 miles east of Douglas, 9 miles west of the AZ-NM state line, just north of Skeleton Canyon Rd). This simple monument commemorates Geronimo's final surrender to General Nelson Miles in 1886. The actual surrender site is several miles away off of Skeleton Canyon Rd, but is on private property and rarely open to the public. There is a shaded picnic area by the monument.  

• 31.8464-109.29131 Chiricahua Mountains, south of Willcox, north of Douglas, east of Portal. (Access from Hwy 80, Hwy 181, Hwy 186), ☏ +1 520-364-3468 (Douglas Ranger District). South of Chiricahua National Monument, managed by the Coronado National Forest Service. The area features excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Much of the range sustained damage in 2011 as a result of the Horseshoe II wildfire; however many trails have been repaired and the forest is now open to the public. Maps and trail information can be obtained from the Douglas Ranger District Office. Free.  
  • 31.754217-109.3585012 Camp Rucker (Fort Rucker), N Rucker Canyon Rd (take Hwy 191 north of Douglas, turn right on N Rucker Canyon Rd). A former US Army post which was abandoned in 1890. A number of buildings are still standing, and access from the adjacent Chiricahua National Forest is permitted. The very popular Camp Rucker Campground is nearby (see listings below). Free.  
• 31.88342-109.206083 Southwest Research Station, 2003 W Cave Creek Rd, Portal, ☏ +1-520-558-2396. The Chiricahua Mountains in particular are excellent for bird watching as well as wildlife viewing, with a number of very rare avian species sighted here. This facility is operated by the American Museum of Natural History, and offers bird watching tours, and accommodation for naturalists and hikers.  

• 31.904594-109.1560171 Cave Creek Ranch, 1396 W Piedra Blanca Ln, ☏ +1 520-558-2334, toll-free: +1 855-558-2334, fax: +1 520-558-2313, info@cavecreekranch.com. In the Chiricahua Mountains, makes an ideal base for bird-watchers and hikers. $95-175/night.  
• 31.89855-109.162362 Portal Bunkhouse, 1192 W Saddle View Rd (entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mts), ☏ +1 877-833-6777. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation, this two-room cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fully-furnished cabin has electricity and running water, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, and other supplies. Non-smoking, pets permitted. The property is maintained by the US Forest Service, and reservations can be made online. $100/night.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 31.90083-109.160833 Portal CCC House, 1192 W Saddle View Rd (entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahua Mts), ☏ +1 877-833-6777. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Built in the 1930s, this five-room cabin is one of the few remaining structures from the Cave Creek CCC Camp. The fully-furnished cabin has electricity and running water, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, and other supplies. Non-smoking, pets permitted. The property is maintained by the US Forest Service, and reservations can be made online. $125/night.  (updated Mar 2016)

• 31.850568-109.4219224 Sunglow Ranch, 14066 S Sunglow Rd, Pearce, ☏ +1 520-824-334, toll-free: +1 866-786-4569. In addition to full room and board, this guest ranch also offers photography and yoga workshops. $299-449/night.  
• 31.935242-109.2191555 The George Walker House, 2225 W George Walker Ln, Portal, ☏ +1 520-558-2287, Winjac12@vtc.net. A historic house which has been fully restored and available on a nightly basis. The caretakers live in a separate house next door. Fully equipped, no television but free Wi-fi. $75-189/night (depending on number of guests).  
• 31.773108-109.0589236 Hideout Ranch, 11730 N Horses Hideout Rd, San Simeon (Hwy 80 northwest of Douglas), ☏ +1 520-558-4433, toll-free: +1 855-879-4433. An overnight guest ranch that also offers horseback riding into the Dragoon and Chiricahua Mountains. Horseback riding is also available for day visitors. $200-250/night, minimum stay 2 nights.  
• 31.723331-109.2284367 Price Canyon Ranch, 10923 N Price Canyon Rd, San Simon, ☏ +1 520-240-6177, fax: +1 520-731-9453. A working cattle ranch with 10 rooms for guest accommodation. The ranch offers horseback riding lessons, and guided excursions.  

• Chiricahua Mountains, ☏ +1 520-364-3468. The Forest Service maintains seven developed campgrounds in the Chiricahua Mountains, and dispersed camping is possible in two other areas. Black bears are active throughout the area. Campgrounds with water are listed below. $10/night (developed campgrounds). 
  • 31.895-109.16518 Idlewilde Campground, ☏ +1 520-364-3468. This site is known for its beautiful scenery and is a good birding spot. Best suited for tents or pickup trucks, although trailers up to 16' are permitted. Drinking water from April - October. 9 sites. $20/night.  (updated Mar 2020)
  • 31.8907-109.16789 Stewart Campground, ☏ +1 520-364-3468. Trailers up to 22', no hookups. Drinking water from April - October. $10/night.  
  • 31.8848-109.175410 Sunny Flat Campground, ☏ +1 520-364-3468. A particularly good campsite for birdwatching. Trailers and RVs up to 22', no hookups. Drinking water available year-round. $10/night.